Janison is a wholly Australian owned company based in Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia specialising in the development of cutting-edge learning solutions.

Assessment

05 February 2016

The last piece in the 21st century skills puzzle

School curricula of the past have focused on classic disciplines; algebra, history, chemistry, geography. While these have merit, there is a change in the education zeitgeist; a focus on 21st century skills.

In 2012, a study called ATC21S identified 10 skills that people will need to master to be successful in today’s world.

The global arms race begins…

These skills were not traditionally a focus in schools, however that is changing. Curricula and learning content are already addressing these areas.

Singapore

No-one can deny Singapore’s claim to being a world leader in education. Preceding the ATC21S study by two years, they released a 21st century competencies framework, which had a renewed focus on collaboration and communication. In 2015, they topped the PISA rankings as the overall top ranked country in maths and science for 15 year olds. Combined with innovative initiatives such as migrating their national high-stakes exams to digital online assessment — one of the first in the world to do so — Singapore education is only going from strength to strength. Look for them to incorporate collaborative assessment in the future.

Australia

The Australian curriculum has pivoted to head in this direction too. The skills have been rebranded 21st century general capabilities. As explained in thisreport, the reason was to highlight the fact that ‘the skills are not unique to the 21st century’, however are increasingly important to it.

From the Australian Curriculum website: “ The general capabilities play a significant role in the Australian Curriculum in equipping young Australians to live and work successfully in the twenty-first century.”

Corporate

E-Learning companies are also aligning to this shift in mindset.CrossKnowledge & Janison are building a host of content focused on leadership, management and 21st century skills. Collaborating with thought leaders from faculties such as Harvard, Cambridge, Wharton, London & Paris, content is designed give students and professionals the edge in a competitive digital world.

Wait, how do we assess 21st century skills?

While new learning content is being taught in schools and organisations, another problem has arisen. How do we test how well students are working in a team, or digitally communicating ? Just as traditional subjects are being replaced, so must their assessment methods. The pencil & multiple-choice worksheet is dead.

The future of 21st century skills education lies in digital collaborative assessment.

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) has been a global standard in benchmarking school pupils’ scholastic performance on mathematics, science, and reading. It also publishes a global leaderboard that can make or break education ministers careers, as they jostle to improve their countries rankings. In 2012, PISA identified the momentum towards 21st century skills, and set out to measure collaboration digitally in 2015. They identified the following three key collaborative assessment problem types.

Key collaborative assessment problem types

Consensus building — the group needs to make a decision after considering the views, opinions, and arguments of different members. Faster isn’t always better here; the quality of the decision may be threatened by ‘group think’ — swift agreement among members without considering the complexities of the problem.

Jigsaw problems — this is a method to insure interdependence among problem-solvers, which is a condition to measure collaboration. Each group member has different information or skills. The group needs to pool the information and recruit each other’s skills in order to achieve the group goal. The group goal cannot be achieved by any one member alone. One social loafer who does nothing can jeopardise the achievement of the group goal.

Negotiations — Group members have different amounts of information and different personal goals. Through negotiation, select information can be passed so that there can be mutual win-win optimisation, which satisfies overall group goals.

The PISA study notes that additional types of collaborative problem solving (CPS) tasks can be appropriate, provided they are time-constrained collaborative activities requiring ground rules for taking actions, as well as the establishment and maintenance of both shared understandings and team organisation. You can download the full draft collaboration assessment framework report here.

Australia, Ireland & Sweden unite!

Extending on the ATC21S findings, the Collaborative Assessment Alliance was formed. The goal was to quantify to what extent 21st century skills such as collaboration and communication could be assessed digitally. This was done by collaborative problem solving tasks, conducting school trials, psychometrically analysing results and collaborating on findings. The group was made up of:

The findings of this group are yet to be published, however early results are fascinating. School trials with just over 2000 participating students produced a staggering million rows of data. Every click, action, word, response and more was being logged in the background. If you are fond of playing with big data, this is the area is for you. Can you imagine the volume when delivered at a national level?

Future state

So, what does it all mean? Leading countries are already pushing towards new 21st century curricula, and the adoption by PISA of collaborative testing will be a rocket-boost. Educators that stand still are now at risk of falling behind the world pack; surely a career-limiting move.

Those who can master collaborative assessment will become education royalty. Their graduates will be better equipped with tangible, real world skills to lead us into the future. Are you going to be part of the new Kingdom?

12 June 2015

For most of us, the notion of data storage is somewhat a distant and ‘cloudy’ concept (pun intended). In other words, we don’t really need to give it much thought because we don’t have to deal with it at all. Well, maybe only when we’re prompted to backup our iTunes purchases!

However, for those responsible for managing data within their workplace it’s pretty big business and a major consideration. Human resources is a sector that springs to mind when thinking about instances where the secure management and storage of data is paramount. Online learning is another area where data security is key.

Janison offers Software as a Service via its Cloud Learning System (CLS). As we have an international client-base, it’s our responsibility to protect clients’ data wherever they’re located.

Security is not the only concern; the volume of data matters. It’s difficult to visualise data in terms of size or volume, so the following example should help. One of our Australian clients has 500,000 users (learners) of the CLS – this translates to 500,000 user profiles which includes their name, address, DOB, password, gender and more – and this is just the information required to register for online access.

Once inside the CLS, the amount of data increases exponentially. Enrolments, progress records, discussion forums, requests for Manager approval; all these data objects add up. It extends to innumerable rows of data, billions of rows in fact. And all of this information requires 24/7 access, storage and protection.

Thus the safe storage and fast delivery of data is treated as a core function of our business model. Which is why Janison opted to partner with Microsoft Azure, a partnership that was forged at the very beginning of Azure’s Australian journey. In 2014, Janison was chosen as Microsoft Australia’s launch partner for the Azure Cloud Platform.

Aside from the indelibility of the brand and the confidence it gives the customer (us and you), Azure as Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)are possibly Microsoft’s most important contributions to fenceless, secure and scalable technology.

Azure uses a software-defined infrastructure model, where resilient software can instantly migrate workloads to alternate servers or even different datacenters. This global footprint enables multinational organisations to store sovereign data in the country they’re operating from, while making it available across the board.

Thanks to Azure, Microsoft can deploy fast security updates, be instantly responsive to data attacks and closely monitor privacy. All data that moves between Azure and the customer is encrypted en-route. Microsoft Azure is present in Microsoft’s aim is to protect its customers and their data.

Based on research conducted by Forrester Research in 2014, the estimated growth in data was forecast to be between 25 to 50 per cent year on year. Following are some interesting facts it uncovered about data and storage:

- 67 per cent of tech organisations surveyed plan to outsource their datacentre in the future.

- Datacentre budgets will grow year on year with most organisations surveyed stating the expected increase would be between 5 to 10 per cent.

- In Europe the biggest factor determining selection of a datacentre was ‘disaster resistance’.

- The majority of respondents said they would opt for a locally-based facility.

- Forty-eight percent of respondents cited storage growth as a top driver for expanding their datacentre capacity.

Janison continues to harness the security and scalability offered by Microsoft Azure datacentres for the benefit of its learning and assessment clients around the world. Click here to read the ‘Janison Microsoft Azure Partner Launch’ backstory.

26 May 2015

One of Janison’s longest-serving business partners – Canopi – recently recorded signing up its 500,000 elearning user, a significant achievement and one certainly worth noting.

Canopi is an Australian elearning specialist that’s been offering LMS hosting (using Janison’s LMS and Cloud Learning System or CLS) and content development solutions for 15 years.

In light of the half-million milestone, I asked company director Greg Mcloughlin-Wilden a few questions about the secrets of his company’s success in a very competitive market.

VL: So Greg I’m curious, who are these 500k users… and where do they come from?

Greg: By far the biggest slice is from the sporting industry, and among these users the majority are community coaches. Community coaches are mums and dads who put up their hands to coach a local team. We also have a large number of athletes, teachers, real estate agents, biologists and veterinarians.

Greg: Taking a really keen interest in who they are and what they want to achieve. Our sole purpose is help them achieve their organisational goals. If you’re not connected to that then you’re just another vendor flogging a product.

VL: What lessons has Canopi learnt along the way regarding e-learning?

Greg: Strong business relationships and people with vision are the key to success. These are the people who build the content and technology that our customers value so much. Fostering creativity is also really high on the list. Whether you’re planning a video shoot, writing a storyboard or cutting some code you are being creative. These are creative pursuits based on a vision of what we want it to be at the end. Without creative people it’s really easy to miss the mark.

VL: Looking at current industry trends, where does Canopi see e-learning going/evolving?

Greg: I think the idea of a system, course, modules and test has plateaued a bit and we should all capitalise on this stable operating environment over the next 2 -3 years. Of course we’ll keep adding more features for the benefit of clients during this time, but we can use this period to increase our customer base. The next big thing for us during this period is integrating the learning platform (CLS) with external organisational systems. After that… well that’s the stuff we dream about. Read Neal Stephenson’s Diamond Age for a peak (wink wink).

VL: Are there any memorable challenges that Canopi has overcome to be where it is today?

Greg: Oh yes. Using the previous generation of LMS's was the most stressful period for the company. You would find that if you were editing a bit of code over here, then something would break over there etc. The current generation of systems like Janison’s CLS have taken a huge amount of anxiety out of operating a learning management system. I also think trying to find the balance between a client’s dream and their budget is always hard and probably always will be, but it’s still a huge amount of fun to be involved in that process.

VL: What would you say Canopi’s core strength is?

Greg: Our charter is to share our clients’ visions.

VL: How does Canopi envision reaching 1 million users and when?

Greg: We’ll do that mainly through sports, by helping our existing customers get more out of the platform, and by adding new customers. As to when, probably late 2017 (watch this space).

Background: Janison has spent 18 years nurturing its partner network with the aim of improving the strategic approach to online learning and assessment by making the best possible tools and technologies available to our partner’s clients.

A partnership with Janison enables companies to generate new business and increase revenue opportunities by completing their portfolio of elearning services. When you become a partner with Janison you:

- Sign-up with a technology partner where all the development is done in Australia.

- Get to contribute to Janison’s road map.

- Get easy access to support. Help is always on-hand, and the door is always open!

24 March 2015

In version 1503, the Janison CLS will be equipped with Responsive UI… which means users can now access their learning and training from any device, on any browser using any operating system.

Which means better functionality and usability!

Below you can see an example of the new-look ‘Self Registration’ page. The fields fit nicely as appropriate to the User's screen, you will notice the background image has been disabled on smaller devices to improve performance.

As CLS administrators using a large desktop, you'll find the responsive UI allows you to see more data at once. Here is a quick view of the older, non-responsive UI when using Customisable Reports (note the dead-zones):

Here is the new look reports, which allows more columns on screen at once:

Other UI enhancements can be seen throughout the CLS, such as new look buttons, controls and mobile-friendly menus.

30 January 2015

Ethics is a subject with a relatively short history in NSW primary schools. It came about in 2010 as an alternative to special religious education (SRE), which has existed since the late 19th Century.

The subject’s introduction to the curriculum wasn’t without drama either! In November 2010, the then NSW Opposition said it would cancel the [ethics] classes when it took power. Spearheading the anti-ethics movement was Conservative MP Reverend Fred Nile, who attempted to repeal the Ethics Classes Amendment Act in April 2011. However in 2012, his private member’s bill was scrapped following recommendations from an inquiry tabled by the NSW Upper House Education Committee.

For those of you not familiar with what Ethics looks like… it’s a branch of Philosophy that examines ethical concepts and issues. An Ethics class in the NSW curriculum comprises age-appropriate lessons on a wide range of topics that primary-aged children find interesting.

Leading the charge to deliver an ethical education to Australian youngsters is Primary Ethics, an independent, not-for-profit organisation responsible for all aspects of course delivery, including providing trained volunteers and resources to schools.

Primary Ethics uses online multimedia learning platforms to provide online classrooms and forums promoting dialogue between students, teachers and the entire volunteer network. Janison teamed up with Primary Ethics in 2011, to provide them with our then Learning Management System (LMS) which has since been superseded by the Cloud Learning System (CLS).

Our platform was chosen because it answered Primary Ethics’ brief which was to provide:

automatic notifications [of expiry on police checks and working with children checks]

effective reporting

the ability for supervisors to manage the records of their subordinates simply and easily.

It also enabled better access to curriculum teaching notes, face-to-face training and allowed for the provision of online courses. One of the big features of the platform was the ability to prevent non-compliant teachers from accessing the curriculum. This ensured the integrity and consistency of Ethics classes.

Interesting facts:

16,000 children from Years 1-6 were attending weekly ethics classes in their schools by the end of FY14.

Primary Ethics’ representation in schools increased by 30 per cent since 2013.

The following quotes are from primary school children who participated in a 10 week Ethics pilot program in 2010. Quirky and insightful, these proclamations reflect the children’s capacity to understand and interpret the complexity of ethics.

"Children’s rights was fantastic because we are children and we had a lot to say. We all thought that children should have more rights but it was interesting to see what rights we thought we should have." -Isabella, Leichardt Public School

"My most memorable ethics class was about the ill-treating of animals such as whale killing, fox hunting, horseracing, bull riding and using animals for testing medicines. I like animals and they are living things, ill-treating them is bad. I would do ethics again because I find it more interesting than scripture." -Todd, Baulkham Hills North Public School

At Janison, we’re always proud to be involved in making a difference to an individual’s learning experience.

19 January 2015

Barbeques are on sale, Australian flags can be seen in car windows and the occasional Southern-Cross tattoo is proudly on display. What does it all mean? Australia Day is just around the corner. Hard to believe nearly 26 days have elapsed since we farewelled 2014.

So before the year that was is forgotten, and curiosity around the release of Microsoft’s Windows 10 and Mac OS X 10.11 command our attention, it’s time for us to acknowledge our milestones and high-five what we’ve achieved so far.

At Janison, we like to consider ourselves pioneers of online learning and assessment. A fair call given the company has been working hard at it since 1998. For the team, 2014 was a challenging year as we collectively worked on taking our Cloud Learning System (CLS) to new heights.

Five years ago, we built the CLS architecture from the ground up. Our mission has been to lead the market and provide an unsurpassed user experience. So how did we do?

CLS took major steps towards adopting and embedding QTI standards in 2014. This move would facilitate interoperability between systems, allowing the exchange of assessment content with other vendors.

Janison committed to supporting international open standards. Within just one year we’ve become a mature implementer of a very complex set of XML standards. This is also reflected in the increased variety and richness of our question interactions: the types of questions we can deliver has expanded in line with QTI standard types.

We implemented new automation frameworks and test management tools to help ensure quality. Many loyal clients using our old LMS have seen the benefits of migrating to the new CLS platform. To assist with this transition, we developed a new 23-module CLS training course. Thanks to our Client Services team for doing such a great job in this area!

Rounding off 2014s milestones: as a company we expanded by 20 new team members, opened an office in Sydney's CBD (in addition to offices in Coffs Harbour and Melbourne) and the biggest coup of all, launched Janison Asia. As we continue to expand into Asia, our new Singapore-based office will act to support local clients.

Looking ahead, we want to stay focused on taking the CLS even further. We want to continue to provide unparalleled support for users of the CLS product – for learning and assessment. Making a positive change to how people learn is what drives us.

07 January 2015

We are recruiting for full-time Developers to work from our headquarters in Coffs Harbour, NSW, with some of the best in the business!

Demand for our products means that we require inspired, hardworking frontend and backend Dev’s to help enhance and implement our Cloud Learning and Assessment Systems for clients throughout Asia-Pacific.

For backend developer candidates, you need to be well and truly across the .NET platform and have solid experience in object oriented design, agile development and continuous integration.

For frontend developer candidates, your experience needs to demonstrate UI design and development that has been successfully used across large public facing websites. Your UI work at Janison will potentially be seen by millions of people.

The roles offer a great challenge and variety of work including building new features in the core product as well as client specific project work.

14 February 2013

When your organisation focuses on one key area such as online learning, you quickly gain an appreciation for the creativity, innovation and commitment of many organisations who work in the area.

It's not just our competing vendors, we see so many of our clients and other education focussed organisations seeking to extend and develop online learning in many different creative ways.

So it is with great pride, we announce our latest award.

Last year we submitted to Brandon Hall our new online, cloud based, assessment platform as an example of a major advancement in technology and it won !

Global recognition for Australian software companies is rare, so we value immensely this acknowledgement of our technology.

What makes our assessment platform different ?

For one, it's built from the ground up using the very latest web development methodologies, it benefits greatly from a modern UI design and an incredibly flexible plug-in architecture that helps us to customise and fit the system in to a variety of delivery mechanisms or enironments.

Also it is designed to support new innovations. A great example of such innovations are its support for new collaborative assessment processes, linking for the first time, more than one student to work together in partnership to complete assessments.

We think this platform will allow real improvements in the ways organisations deliver measurement and assessment. We are glad Brandon Hall think so too.

Stay tuned for more announcements during 2013 on how some of our clients are taking this technology forward in new and innovative ways.